Liberty Media Lays Out Its Plans To Take Control Of Sirius XM

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Executive Editor

In an SEC filing this morning, John Malone’s company says that it will convert enough of its preferred shares in the satellite radio provider into common shares to give it 32% of the total votes. Then “as soon as practicable” it will nominate and campaign for a slate of directors that would constitute a majority of the board. Liberty already has five of the 13 seats. In the meantime, Liberty will continue to buy shares in the open market so it could “replace the entire Board of Directors by unilateral action.” The plan comes as Liberty tries to revive its effort to persuade the FCC to give it Sirius XM’s satellite licenses. Malone’s company says it plays such a big role at Sirius XM that it already effectively controls the company. FCC staffers rejected that claim early this month; Liberty laid out its new take-over plans in conjunction with its appeal of that decision. Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin has said that if Liberty wants to buy the company, then it should pay existing investors a premium price for their shares. Malone’s plan would not do that. Still, he might find enough investors willing to sell: Sirius XM shares have lost more than 20% of their value over the last 12 months. The stock price is up slightly in pre-market trading.
What Malone hasn’t said is whether he wants to run Sirius XM, or sell it as part of one of his famously complex financial deals to help him minimize tax payments. He’d owe the government a huge capital gains check if he simply tried to sell his existing shares. Liberty invested $530M in Sirius XM in 2009, when the broadcaster was in danger of defaulting on its debt. That stake, equal to about 40% of the equity, is now worth about $3B. But if Liberty controlled Sirius XM it could use a gambit known as a Reverse Morris Trust. Liberty could spin the satellite broadcaster off to its shareholders who’d then merge it with another entity — in effect enabling Liberty to sell its Sirius XM holdings without paying for the capital gains on its investment. Malone is able to make his move now because a standstill agreement that was part of his investment in Sirius XM expired in March.

BBC WM Joanne Malin - Reviews from fans - I Dreamed A Dream Musical May ...

BBC WM - Graham Torrington Interview with Elaine C. Smith May 29, 2012

Great radio interview with Elaine C. Smith.  Video by TommyUSA.

BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY - DANIEL O'DONNELL

Susan is DJ and Talks About Her Songs

Thank you TommyUSA for the video.

Susan Boyle News with Ewing Stevens - Audio

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:02

Susan Boyle news an audience before the Queen.

CNN Slumps To 15-Year Primetime Low

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by DOMINIC PATTEN

CNN fell to a 15 year primetime low last night in a key demo and limboed down to its second worse weekday primetime since March 1997. A new episode of Piers Morgan Tonight at 9 PM drew in only 39,000 viewers in the Adult 25-54. The news network itself averaged just 308,000 viewers in primetime with Morgan’s show and Anderson Cooper’s AC360 leading at 8 PM and again at 10 PM. CNN had 73,000 viewers in the Adult 25-54 during Tuesday’s primetime. This comes on the heels of April’s bad newswhen the network had its lowest-rated month in over a decade. The forensics on the 9 PM slot’s low Adult 25-54 numbers are revealing. The last time a CNN show had that kind of demo numbers in that weekday timeslot was on August 22, 1997. Back in 1997, a Larry King Live show on a Friday night got 50,000 viewers in the Adult 25-54. However unlike 1997, when the show’s total viewership was 693,000, Morgan’s show last night only had a total viewership of 284,000. That actually wasn’t actually a record low for Morgan’s show, which debuted on January 17, 2011, but it was down from a regular weekday. Over on Fox News, Sean Hannity had 1.7 million viewers in the 9 PM slot, with 334,000 viewers in the Adult 25-54. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show had 839,000 viewers, with 315,000 in the Adult 25-54. In the last 15 years, CNN’s overall weekday primetime numbers have only been worse on Thanksgiving Day 2011. On November 24, 2011, CNN had a primetime average of 262,000 viewers. The Adult 25-54 viewership on that Thursday night was 83,000. That’s what they call a very slow news night.
Related: RATINGS RAT RACE: ‘NCIS’ Ends Up, ‘Private Practice’ Way Up

SUSAN BOYLE - Short clip of Susan at Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Susan Boyle -You'll See - BGT 2012

Veteran RadioLIVE broadcaster Ewing Stevens receives industry recognition - Audio

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:11

RadioLIVE's Ewing Stevens talks to RadioLIVE's Marcus Lush about his more than 50 years in broadcasting. 11 May, 2012

Posted in Deadline London

Sony Registers Record Loss, But Expects Return To Profit

By NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor | Thursday, 10 May 2012 08:33 UK

Posting a record loss of $5.7B for the fiscal year ended March 31, Sony today reported a quarterly loss of $3.2B. However, the company also expects a return to profit, predicting that net income for the fiscal year to end March 2013 could be about $376M. Still, that figure lags behind what a group of Bloomberg analysts had estimated. Under new CEO Kazuo Hirai, the company is to slash 10,000 jobs as it trims costs to help turn around its flagging TV unit. Sony Pictures Entertainment sales increased 18% benefitting from the sale of a participation interest in Spider-Manmerchandising rights and higher pay TV and VOD sales. Operating income at SPE decreased to $416M primarily due to combined gains in the previous fiscal year from the acquisition of a controlling interest in GSN and the sale of SPE’s interest in HBO Latin America. Sony also noted the strong theatrical performance of The Smurfs and Bad Teacher, offset by the underperformance of Arthur Christmas.

http://www.deadline.com/2012/05/sony-registers-record-loss-but-expects-return-to-profit/

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Thank you Tommy.  Your banners tell the story of Ms Susan Boyle, who has given the world such beautiful music.  This is posted here for all the radio DJs and PDs people who do not know about Susan and do not play her music on radio.  What a shame!
Thank you, Tommy.

FCC Rejects Liberty Media’s Application To Take Over Sirius XM’s Licenses

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Executive Editor

The regulatory agency sided with Sirius XM which said that while John Malone’s Liberty might control the satellite radio company one day, it doesn’t do so yet. The proof: Liberty’s application to claim Sirius XM’s broadcast licenses was unacceptable because it was “unable to obtain the passwords, signatures, and other necessary information from Sirius to properly file an electronic transfer of control application,”  two FCC officials said in a letter today. Liberty had argued that it already pretty much calls the shots at Sirius by virtue of the preferred stock it bought for $530M in 2009 when Sirius was in danger of defaulting on its debt. The shares can be swapped for 40% of the company’s equity. But the officials noted that Liberty hasn’t demonstrated that it intends to actually make that swap or, if it did, that it could take control of the company board. Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin told investors this week that “40 (percent) is not the new 50.”

UPDATE: Sirius XM Chief Is Mystified By Liberty Media Effort To Take Control

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Executive Editor

UPDATE, 6:15 AM: CEO Mel Karmazin is known as a straight-shooter, but showed today that he can also be diplomatic about a sensitive subject that hits close to home: Analysts in a conference call wanted to know what’s up with the FCC petition by John Malone’s Liberty Media to take over the rights to the satellite radio company’s broadcast licenses. Liberty says it has “de facto control” of Sirius XM by virtue of its 40% of the company’s stock, and right to hold five of the 13 board seats. Karmazin says he’s confident that the FCC will reject the petition. Although Liberty has “significant influence,” Karmazin says that ”our board absolutely concluded that they do not have de facto control…40 is not the new 50.” He says that he isn’t sure why Malone’s company filed its FCC petition. “Liberty has not indicated anything that they want to do. When they get asked, why are you doing it, they say they want to keep all of their options open.” While Karmazin wouldn’t criticize his largest shareholder, he added that “if the time ever comes that Liberty’s interests are different than the 60% shareholders, then we will do whatever we can do to protect the interest of our 60% shareholders.” Karmazin says he’s now just waiting to hear from the FCC.
The CEO continued to crow about the company’s Q1 performance, especially with subscriptions. “The reaction to the price increase has clearly exceeded our expectations….We could not have hoped for a better outcome.” He expects to see about 1M gross subscriptions this year from people buying used cars — a growing market for Sirius XM. He told analysts that he’s been loading up on sports programming as part of his strategy to compete with terrestrial radio and online music services such as Pandora and Spotify. For example, the satellite radio company now also offers every Major League Baseball game on smartphone or computer. Sirius XM’s on-demand service will launch this summer on the Web, smartphones and other connected devices. In addition, Chrysler will offer Sirius XM’s 2.0 radios in its cars beginning this summer. Karmazin says he’s open to the idea of returning some of the company’s cash to shareholders. “There is nothing that we’re seeing out there that we’re anxious to acquire,” he says. But no decisions have been made yet.
PREVIOUS, 4:23 AM: Shares are up slightly in pre-market trading as the improving economy, and especially auto sales, enabled the satellite radio company to project that it will gain 1.5M subscribers in 2012 — up from its previous estimate of 1.3M. The forecast was part of Sirius XM’s Q1 report that showed net income of $107.8M, up nearly 38% vs the same period last year, on revenues of $804.7M, up 11%. The revenue figure was slightly ahead of the $803.8M the Street expected. Earnings of 2 cents a share matched the consensus forecast. The company says that, despite the $1.54 price increase in January — which raised the monthly cost of its service to $14.49 — it gained 299,348 subscriptions in Q1. That brought total subs to 22.3M. The monthly churn rate also dropped modestly to 1.9% from 2% in the first three months of 2011. CEO Mel Karmazin says that the company plans to increase the number of channels it offers via its new generation of Sirius XM 2.0 radios — which enable users to create personalized channels (similar to Pandora), as well as pause and rewind programming. “In 2012, we continue to expect record revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow, and our subscriber base will also finish this year at another all-time record high,” Karmazin says.

Syco TV Chief Shu Greene Segues To ITV Studios As Director Of Entertainment

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor

Tuesday 1st May 2012 – ITV Studios UK is delighted to announce that award-winning programme-maker, Shu Greene, currently Head of Television at Syco TV and producer and creator of some of the biggest shows on UK and US television, is joining ITV Studios UK in the newly-created role of Director of Entertainment, ITVS.
Returning to her original TV home, Shu will lead the entertainment team to create and deliver great entertainment programming for both ITV and non-ITV channels, spearheading ITV Studios’ ambition to be the home for the best talent both on-screen, in development and production.
Shu will report to Denise O’Donoghue and Kevin Lygo.
Denise O’Donoghue, Managing Director, ITV Studios UK, said: “You can’t turn a creative business around without being able to attract and retain the best talent. Shu is an inspiring person and she will be an inspiring leader – she has immense talent, experience and charisma and will be a magnet for the best creatives at every stage in production.
“Great shows are about origination and delivery and she is an expert in both. Her relationships with many of the biggest names on screen speak to her standing in the business and the respect for which she is renowned. I am incredibly excited at the prospect of working with Shu whom I know relishes the challenge of delivering the new generation of big entertainment shows.”
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, ITV Studios said: “Shu has been at the heart of making the X Factor and the Got Talent franchises the global success they are today. The creation of brand new entertainment formats for UK and international audiences is a crucial part of our strategy; Shu’s creative and production expertise will be an enormous asset for ITV Studios as we move into the next phase of the Transformation Plan.”
Shu commented: “After almost a decade working alongside Simon Cowell, the most amazing producer and on-screen talent I have ever met, I felt this was the right moment to step into my own light. I intend to put my heart and soul into putting ITV Studios back where it belongs – at the very heart of Saturday night entertainment, and in doing so am determined we will create the next generation of ground breaking shows. Watch this space.”
Shu Greene is a multi-award winning programme maker who, over the last twenty years, has created and produced some of the biggest entertainment shows on British and American television. Shu joined Syco TV at its inception in 2004 working closely with Simon Cowell in the creation, commission and execution of all of Syco’s content including The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
Shu has been the Executive Producer of The X Factor in the UK for the last eight series; the show has gone on to win six British Academy Awards and seven National Television Awards. In September 2011 Shu was the Executive Producer of the X Factor USA overseeing the show’s high-profile launch on the Fox Network. At the same time, she oversaw the debut of Red or Black? (a co-production with ITV Studios).
Prior to setting up Syco TV, Shu was Head of Development for ITV Productions running a large team with responsibility for creating new, returnable and bankable formats. In that role, she co-created and launched the acclaimed Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway which won three National Television Awards and a Golden Rose. She also created Celebrities Under Pressure and Fight School for Sky One.

Ocean City New Jersey Plays SB Music

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 Ocean City, NJ Radio (OCNJRADIO) is a unique station on the Internet for discriminating listeners. Affiliated with FredNetRadio.com high quality digital Stream, it features the greatest music of the mid 20th Century.  The type of music that is seldom played anywhere else.  Tune in to hear artists like Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Vic Damone, Sarah Vaughan, Doris Day, Glenn Miller, Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Les Brown, The Everly Brothers, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Fabain, The Four Aces, and all the greats from the 40's, 50's and 60's.  
OCNJRadio features  weekly themed  one hour special programs such as "In the Spotlight", "A Visit with Connie Francis" and the "Music Room" .
We will also feature the great "Beach Music of the Jersey Shore". Music by Philly Cuzz and others.    
Occasional excursions are made into the 70's and later, as well, to feature artists such as Michael Buble' and Rod Stewart, who have learned to cover "the old standards" in their own inimitable way.  This type of special programming is what sets  OCNJRadio.com  apart from other Internet radio stations.  
 The staff is dedicated to the belief that the best music of the 20th century should be heard and no longer ignored.  Just a taste of this great music will inspire even the youngest of listeners.

We are as close as your Computer, Smartphone or Wi Fi Receiver and the best part.. NO SUBSCRIPTION NEEDED! Just enjoy.

Lauren Glotzer Named Sony Pictures’ Executive VP Corporate Development

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by DOMINIC PATTEN

Sony Pictures announced today that Lauren Glotzer has been named Executive VP, Corporate Development. Glotzer replaces Jim Underwood, who moved on to Executive VP, Worldwide Digital and Commercial Strategy at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in March. “Lauren’s strategic guidance has been invaluable in keeping the studio nimble and innovative, streamlining our operations, expanding our consumer offerings, and investing in key businesses,” said David Hendler, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer today. “Her promotion is well deserved.” In her new duties heading the corporate development team at the studio, overseeing studio investments and analyses, mergers and acquisitions, new business development and strategic planning, Glotzer will report directly to Hendler.

SAG-AFTRA National Board May Issue ‘Do Not Work Notice’ For Music Videos

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by NIKKI FINKE

The new SAG-AFTRA national union sent out a special notice to its members today about working on music videos “and its fght for safe, fair working conditions and health care for SAG-AFTRA dancers and performers who appear in them”. The notice is an advisory to members of action which the SAG-AFTRA National Board may take at its upcoming meeting on May 19th and 20th, which may include a ‘Do Not Work Notice’:

For many years, dancers who work music videos have been provided a contract to provide them with minimum pay and benefits if they are hired to work in a music video. However, there is no industry-wide standard or agreement from the music labels that these videos are covered work.
The need for industry standards comes in the wake of the proliferation of dance and performance work in music videos, thanks in part to performers such as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, and the masses of fans that follow videos online through services such as Vevo, a joint venture of Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Abu Dhabi Media.
In August, dancers stepped up their campaign by launching a social media and video campaign called “It’s About Time,” a joint initiative between AFTRA and the Dancers’ Alliance, a grassroots organization dedicated to educating dancers and building solidarity in the dance community.
The online campaign kicked off the weekend of the MTV Video Music Awards with video messages from dancers and performers including dancer Galen Hooks; choreographer/director Brian Friedman; former Pussycat Doll Carmit Bachar; and comedian Affion Crocket:

SPECIAL NOTICE TO MEMBERS

On May 19-20, the SAG-AFTRA National Board will consider a unanimous recommendation by the Executive Committee to implement a Do Not Work notice against music video productions.
Once implemented, SAG-AFTRA members may not accept employment as performers in any music video not produced under a SAG-AFTRA contract. A Do Not Work order for music videos is a result of the major record labels refusing to agree to a contract that meets the critical needs of music video performers.
This action will affect any SAG-AFTRA member hired to sing, dance, act or otherwise perform as talent on any music video that is not covered by the appropriate SAG-AFTRA contract, except for a royalty artist who is already contractually obligated to deliver certain services under an existing royalty agreement with a record label. Specifically included are SAG-AFTRA members working as dancers, singers, choreographers, cameo performers, models, actors, and most other talent. SAG-AFTRA members who violate a Do Not Work order can be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion from membership.
This action follows performers’ efforts to secure an industry-wide contract for music video work, which most recently involved several rounds of contract discussions with the major record labels throughout 2011. SAG-AFTRA is continuing its efforts to reach agreement with the labels however this action is necessary because the labels have failed to agree to some of the most basic contract terms. Some of the outstanding issues involve guaranteed access to water and toilet facilities, proper safety protections for hard surface dancing, overtime provisions, health and retirement contributions and standardized rates of pay.
Please stand together with your fellow SAG-AFTRA members and fellow performers for safety and dignity on the job. Together we can ensure a safe and fair future for all of us.

Posted in Music Clout

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How To Get On College Radio

  

For many upcoming artists, getting played on mainstream radio can seem like an impossible dream to achieve. Luckily, there are plenty of other available radio stations that focus on playing local and talented musicians, many of these being college radio stations. And though it can still be difficult to get played oncollege radio promo, your chances are still much better than getting played on mainstream radio. So here are some helpful tips to get you started on your college radio promotion.  

For those artists that can afford it, it can be very beneficial to hire an independent promoter to work your new album. Many of these promoters have valuable relationships with influential stations and can really make a difference. Unfortunately, independent radio promotion can cost anywhere from $1000-$4000 per project so it may not always be a viable option.

You may also want to list any songs with profanities so the station knows what is appropriate to play at certain times of the day. Be sure you’re targeting the right stations as well. You don’t want to send your hard rock cd to a station playing singer/songwriters. If you know of a dj that plays your style of music, try and submit directly to them.

One of the most important things to do is to follow up with stations several weeks after submitting your music. Sometimes your music may just get lost in the shuffle so you’ll want to call and make sure that someone has actually listened to your cd.

If you do start getting some plays, you may want to check back after several more weeks to stay in contact, and maybe even offer to do a live performance on air, or invite the DJ or Program Director to one of your next shows. Remember, perseverance is the key to success!

Marketing Your Band

Branding Your Band

Utilizing Social Media, and How It Will Make You A Successful Artist

Easy Tips For Getting Retweeted

How To Get Your Music Played At Sporting Events

http://musicclout.com/article/102/how-to-get-on-college-radio.aspx

Cécile Frot-Coutaz Named CEO Of FremantleMedia, Tony Cohen Exits

from Susan Boyle Musical Coming To America? – Deadline.com by NELLIE ANDREEVA

Longtime FremantleMedia North America CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz is being promoted to CEO of the entire FremantleMedia company, which is owned by RTL. Frot-Coutaz will assume her new duties on July 1 and will be based in London. She will replace Tony Cohen who is stepping down. As for FMNA, it is yet unclear who will succeed Frot-Coutaz in the top post. “After being with the group for 17 years, Cécile has the vision and leadership that are needed to further grow FremantleMedia,” Guillaume de Posch, Co-CEO of RTL Group. “She brings expertise and drive from the largest TV market in the world and combines her creative skills as a producer with a sharp business perspective.” De Posch went on to thank Cohen. “Under his leadership, the company has become the pre-eminent producer of the hit prime-time global entertainment formats in dozens of countries, a top distributor and brand licensor, and a rapidly growing force in online and mobile gaming, branded entertainment and kids,” he said.
As the CEO of FremantleMedia North America, French native Frot-Coutaz currently oversees the development, production and business operations of over 600 hours of network, cable and syndicated programming, including Fox’s American Idol and The X Factor, America’s Got Talent (NBC), Family Feud (syndicated), The Price Is Right (CBS), and the upcoming scripted series The Wedding Band (TBS).

Syco Names COO Charles Garland To CEO Post, Exec Will Oversee Global TV Biz

By NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor | Monday, 16 April 2012 13:50 UKTags: Charles Garland, Simon Cowell, Syco

Syco Entertainment, the joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment, today announces that Charles Garland will become the worldwide CEO with immediate effect.

Formerly the COO, his role will now include leadership of Syco’s global TV business.

Charles joined Syco in March 2011 from Crystal Entertainment, the company he founded in 2007 and served as Chief Executive. He previously served at 19 Entertainment for 8 years, helping to build up its key brands globally. Before that he worked at Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) as Group Development Director, working with brands including Audi, Natwest and BT, and where he was responsible for building the agency’s international operations, which involved launching offices in Asia and the US.

Simon Cowell said “Syco is a global business operating across 167 countries, working alongside the world’s most important commercial clients and talent. I want to build on that success to ensure that Syco is one of the most important and respected entertainment businesses in the world. I have a fantastic team of people at Syco and wanted someone they respected and trusted, I am therefore delighted to confirm Charles as CEO of Syco”

Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO Sony Music says, “I am pleased to have Charles operating in this important role. He is a proven leader who along with the Syco team will continue to build on Syco’s successes and further expand Syco’s worldwide businesses.”

http://www.deadline.com/2012/04/syco-names-coo-charles-garland-to-ceo-post-exec-will-oversee-global-tv-biz/ 

Posted in Business Review

Charles Garland Named CEO Syco Entertainment

LONDON, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Syco Entertainment, the joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment, today announces that Charles Garland will become the worldwide CEO with immediate effect.

Formerly the COO, his role will now include leadership of Syco's global TV business.

Charles joined Syco in March 2011 from Crystal Entertainment, the company he founded in 2007 and served as Chief Executive. He previously served at 19 Entertainment for 8 years, helping to build up its key brands globally. Before that he worked at Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) as Group Development Director, working with brands including Audi, Natwest and BT, and where he was responsible for building the agency's international operations, which involved launching offices in Asia and the US.

Simon Cowell said "Syco is a global business operating across 167 countries, working alongside the world's most important commercial clients and talent. I want to build on that success to ensure that Syco is one of the most important and respected entertainment businesses in the world. I have a fantastic team of people at Syco and wanted someone they respected and trusted, I am therefore delighted to confirm Charles as CEO of Syco"

Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO Sony Music says, "I am pleased to have Charles operating in this important role. He is a proven leader who along with the Syco team will continue to build on Syco's successes and further expand Syco's worldwide businesses."

About Syco Entertainment

Syco Entertainment is leading global music, television, film and digital production company. Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment and has offices in London and Los Angeles. Syco's television and music assets include leading global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent, and includes artists such as Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Il Divo, Cher Lloyd, One Direction & Labrinth.  

The X Factor launched in 2004 in the UK, Airing on ITV1, The X Factor has been the number one show in the UK for eight years, with the 2010 finale achieving a peak of 21.2 million viewers, and a 65% share. The 2011 finale, held at Wembley Arena in front of a live audience of 12,000, was the most watched TV show of the year, with a bigger audience than the Royal Wedding. The X Factor launched in the US in fall 2011, on Fox, immediately becoming the number one unscripted show of the season.  The X Factor also gave Fox victory in the November "sweep" among adults aged 18 to 49 for only the second time in the network's history. The US version airs in 162 countries.

Local versions of The X Factor are now produced in more than 35 territories. Around the world, The X Factor has increased the average demographic for many broadcasters by up to 250%. In Denmark, it has been the number one show for the last four years, peaking with an 80% share of the audience. In Colombia, it has consistently ranked number one, with a 75% share of the audience. In countries such as Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands,France and Italy, The X Factor consistently delivers a 50% to 65% share of viewing audiences.

Artists discovered by The X Factor format have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 number ones, 270 top 10, and 501 top 50 releases.

Got Talent launched in the USA in 2006, as America's Got Talent, reawakening the nation's passion for variety entertainment and becoming an award-winning ratings hit across the globe. In the US, America's Got Talent has been the highest-rated series on NBC for the last four seasons, reaching average audiences of up to 16.4 million viewers. The 2011 series achieved the highest-rated launch of the show's six seasons so far. The US version airs in 125 countries.

Britain's Got Talent launched in the UK in 2007, on ITV1, immediately becoming the nation's highest-rated new entertainment programme of the year, with a peak audience of 11.6 million viewers. The show has consistently beaten ITV1's prime time average audience by up to 120% for all viewers, and by up to 191% for young adults. A peak audience of 18.3 million viewers saw Susan Boyle finish a narrow second to dance troupe Diversity in the 2009 final of Britain's Got Talent. The event ranked as the UK's number one entertainment programme of the decade and the highest-rated show of 2009. The 2011 series ranked as the number one show in its time slot, beating its nearest competitor by an astonishing 500% for all viewers.

Local versions of the show have been produced in 49 territories so far.  Around the world, China's Got Talent delivered a record-breaking 575 million viewers for the 2011 final, while Australia's Got Talent was the most watched show on Australian television in 2011. In countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden and The Netherlands, Got Talent has boosted broadcasters' prime time audience shares by as much as 304%.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars.  The company boasts a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history.  It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre.  Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

SOURCE Syco Entertainment
http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/press_releases/charles-garland-named-ceo-syco-entertainment